22. AABATHSAHAYESWARAR TEMPLE AT THIRU ANNIYOOR (PONNUR)

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	76th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Chola Naadu - North
Chola Naadu - North	22nd Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar)

HISTORY:

As per “Akanaanuru”, a text from the Sangam period, a local king called Anni lived here. This place might have been named after him. The historical names of this place are Vigusaranyam, Bhaskara Kshetram and Anniyur. However, now this village is called as Ponnur.

“Sri Vrikcharanyeswarar” and “Sri Agneeswarar”:

Agni was punished by Lord Veerabadhrar for his participation in the yagna performed by Dakshan. To seek relief from this sin, Agni visited many Shiva temples. Anniyur is one of them. He created a tank here and worshiped the lord. This tank is known as Agni Theertham.

Lord Shiva is believed to have given dharshan to Agni under the Sthala Vriksham of this temple (lemon tree). Hence the lord is praised here as “Sri Vrikcharanyeswarar” and “Sri Agneeswarar”.

King Harishchandra:

The king was facing some hardships and in order to seek relief he visited various Shiva temples. During his pilgrimage, he also visited this temple and worshiped Lord Shiva.

It is believed that Lord Shiva blessed him and helped him to overcome the difficulties. Hence the lord is also praised here as “Sri Aabathsakayeswarar” (in Tamil, “Aabathsakayar” means the lord who comes to the rescue of those facing difficulties).

Sri Ratheeswarar:

Manmathan (Kaaman) is believed to have been killed by Lord Shiva in Kurukkai, a nearby place. In this place, he was restored back to his physical form after his wife Rathi prayed to Lord Shiva. Hence, Lord Shiva here is also praised as “Sri Ratheeswarar”.

Lord Suryan:

 Lord Suryan visited this temple and worshiped the lord to seek relief from a curse by Rathi.

Banu seeking a cure for his illness:

A brahmin called Banu was afflicted with leprosy. He visited many Shiva temples seeking a cure for his illness. He visited this place and worshiped the lord after taking a dip in this temple’s Theertham. It is believed that he was cured of his illness.

Sri Pandaveswarar:

Varunan (the god of rain) and the Pandavas have visited this place and worshiped the lord. Since Pandavas worshiped the lord here, the lord is also praised as “Sri Pandaveswarar”.

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        This east facing temple’s main tower is not tiered. In place of the Gopuram, there is a beautiful sculpture depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy.
·        There is a Shivalingam called “Sri Aadhimoola Lingam” in the corridor. This represents the lord who gave darshan to Agni.
·        The idol of Lord Murugan depicts him with his earrings. This is quite unique.
·        It is believed that Lord Suryan (Sun) worships Lord Shiva of this temple by directing his rays on the lingam every year for five days (from 26th to 30th) in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr). Hence this place is referred to as “Bhaskara Sthalam” (“Bhaskara” means sun).
·        The event of Rathi, wife of Manmathan, worshiping Lord Shiva here is observed in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec). Special pujas are performed during that time.
·        Lemon tree is the Sthala Viruksham of this temple. Hence this place is called as “Vigusaranyam” and the lord is praised as “Sri Vigusaranyeswarar”.
·        The holy water, Agni Theertham (tank) is just opposite to the temple and it is also known as Kamasaras, Surya Pushkarani and Varuna Theertham.
·        Beautiful sculptures depicting Agni, Suryan and Varunan can be seen at the top of the second entrance. 

TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Aabathsakayeswarar, Sri Vrikcharanyeswarar
Ambal	Sri Bragan Nayaki, Sri Periya Nayaki
Theertham	Varuna Theertham/ Agni Theertham
Sthala Vriksham	Lemon tree

BELIEF:

Those facing any kind of difficulties in their lives can worship the lord here.

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Vaikasi	May-June	Vaikasi Visakam
Avani	Aug-Sept	Vinayakar Chathurthi
Adi	July-Aug	Aadi Puram
Maasi	Feb-Mar	Maha Shivrathri
Thai	Jan-Feb	Makara Sankranthi
Karthikai	Nov-Dec	Thirukarthikai
Aippasi	Oct–Nov	Annabishekam

HOW TO REACH:

Anniyur (Ponnur) is located at a distance of about 9 kms from Mayiladuthurai. From Mayiladuthurai, travel to Mappadukai (5 kms) on the Kallanai-Mayiladuthurai -Poompuhar route and then take the diversion road to Ponnur (4 kms). Anniyur is on the bus route ffrom Mayiladuthurai to Manalmedu (via Kaali).

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple,
Anniyur (Ponnur),
Mappadukai Via,
Mayiladuthurai,
Nagapattinam,
Tamil Nadu – 609203.

LOCATION: